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Team News: Fernando Torres starts for Chelsea

Team News: Torres starts for Chelsea
© BBC
Fernando Torres starts for Chelsea in their Boxing Day clash with Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Andre Villas-Boas has named out-of-form striker Fernando Torres in the Blues starting lineup for their match against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard replaces Didier Drogba, who is named on the bench, while there are also starts for Frank Lampard and David Luiz, who returns from injury.

Lampard, who netted the winner as Chelsea ended Manchester City's unbeaten league record a fortnight ago, is one of two midfield changes as Oriel Romeu also comes in for John Obi Mikel and the suspended Ramires.

Visitors Fulham also make several changes to the side that were thrashed 5-0 by Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

Captain Danny Murphy returns after a three week injury layoff and Stephen Kelly replaces Chris Baird at right back.

Martin Jol hands 18-year-old Karim Frei his first Premier League start while Orlando Sa starts up front with Bobby Zamora once again left out of the side.

Chelsea: Cech; Bosingwa, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Romeu, Meireles, Lampard; Mata, Sturridge, Torres

Fulham: Stockdale; Kelly, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise; Dempsey, Murphy, Frei, Dembele; Sa, Ruiz

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Joe Fish
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